Helsinki's first ticker-tape parade welcomes the author. "I've never seen more friendly faces,"
I had National Geographic map cases for the
rulers of each country (page 274).
The Swedish King was greatly pleased.
"Marvelous maps," he said. "And I know
them well." Then he turned to Queen Louise.
"How long have I been a member of the Na
tional Geographic Society?" he asked.
"It must be 25 years," the Queen replied.
From Sofiero Castle, we flew across south
ern Sweden-where 80 percent of the popula
tion lives-to the southwestern Swedish port
of Goteborg. Through broken clouds we saw
rolling farms, meandering streams, and im
posing industrial developments, including
the Gotaverken shipyards, where huge sea
276
going vessels are actually assembled indoors
on a giant conveyor belt. Some of the other
industrial plants here represent part of the
$183-million investment U. S. businesses have
made in Sweden.
Rain was peppering down on us when our
helicopter landed in Goteborg. But since we
come from a region where people often pray
for rain, I am always glad to get wet. I was
touched to see that despite the bad weather,
thousands of citizens had turned out with
umbrellas and rubber boots.
I am sure that any American could feel at
home here in Sweden's busiest port. The ties
are old and strong. It was under President